Evaluation of cavitation erosion resistance of copper alloy in different liquid media

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of liquid property on cavitation erosion resistance of the copper alloy, an experimental investigation is performed with the ultrasonic vibratory apparatus. Liquid media of deionized water, tap water, and 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution are selected. The cumulative mass loss rate and microhardness are measured and surface morphology observed at different erosion time. The results show that the cumulative mass loss increases consistently with the erosion time, and the highest cumulative mass loss rate is witnessed in tap water. The erosion time at which the maximum cumulative mass loss rate is reached is the shortest with the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. Surface morphology testifies the rapid evolution of small cavitation erosion pits into large eroded area in the specimen surface submerged in the deionized water and tap water. In comparison, the specimen surface in the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is featured by insignificant cavitation erosion, and plastic deformation remains predominant for a long erosion time. The initiation and development of micro‐cracks are remarkable in tap water. In the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, the progression of cavitation erosion is mitigated relative to the other two cases, and cavitation erosion pits remain the predominant constituents of the erosion pattern as the erosion time increases. The hardening layer is found beneath the specimen surface, and the 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution is responsible for the thickest hardening layer. As cavitation erosion develops, the softening phenomenon is salient with consistent flaking off of surface layers.

Comparative investigation of ultrasonic cavitation erosion for three materials in deionized water

“…With distinct twin-phase structures, the copper alloy bears explicit cavitation erosion characteristics. 30 The results shown in Figure 7 well demonstrate the development of cavitation erosion on the surfaces of the copper alloy specimens. At T = 15 min, small sparsely distributed needle-like erosion pits are witnessed, signifying non-severe cavitation erosion, as shown in Figure 7(a).…”

Microstructure and corrosion behaviors of FeCrNiBSiMox stainless steel fabricated by laser melting deposition

“…Although FeCrNiBSiMo x ( x = 1.5) specimen had the best cavitation erosion resistance in the four as‐deposited specimens, the microhardness of FeCrNiBSiMo x ( x = 1.5) specimen in the four as‐deposited specimens was not the highest. This phenomenon indicated that microhardness was not the only factor affecting the cavitation erosion resistance of the as‐deposited specimens …”

Effects of ultrasonic cavitation on microstructure and surface properties of Mn–Cu alloy

“…26 It has been demonstrated that the fatigue strength of various materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and stainless steel is improved with the application of the ultrasonic cavitation technique. [27][28][29][30][31] However, treating Mn-Cu alloy with ultrasonic cavitation has rarely been reported heretofore.…”